Open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is underway through Jan. 15 and like so many events during the coronavirus pandemic, this year it will look a lot different.

This year, 137,000 Pennsylvanians became newly uninsured between February and May due to the pandemic. With the economic and public health impacts of coronavirus, open enrollment is arguably more important now than ever before, and Pennsylvanians must be aware of the pitfalls that lurk with some insurance, including surprise medical bills, barebones short-term, limited-duration health insurance (STLDI) plans and changes to the way some insurers treat cost sharing coupons for prescriptions.

Surprise bills are nothing new, but we are seeing far too many stories of Americans who are getting hit with major unexpected costs for COVID-19 treatment and testing, despite federal mandates that consumers not be charged for these services. STLDI plans, which have proliferated in the past two years, are exempt from many protections under the Affordable Care Act, including coverage for pre-existing conditions, as well as recently passed laws affecting health insurers during this pandemic. And a new proposal from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) threatens to raise out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs at a time when Americans can least afford it.

Consumers for Quality Care urges Pennsylvanians to understand their options for coverage and to learn more about the pitfalls that are out there.

JIM MANLEY

Catharpin, Virginia

Submitted via Virtual Newsroom